Shibuya Ward considers fining businesses without trash cans near Shibuya, Harajuku, and Ebisu Stations. This aims to combat litter amid rising tourism, potentially impacting visitor experience.

Tokyo's Shibuya Ward is considering a new law requiring convenience stores, cafes, and fast-food restaurants in popular tourist areas like Shibuya, Harajuku, and Ebisu to install trash cans. This is in response to a significant increase in litter, largely consisting of snack packaging and takeout containers, attributed to the growing number of foreign tourists.

If the proposal passes, businesses failing to provide trash cans could face a fine of 50,000 yen (US$325). The goal is to address the common complaint from tourists about the lack of public trash disposal options and encourage businesses to take responsibility for waste generated from their products.

Travelers should be aware that the new ordinance, if approved, will take effect in April, with fines enforceable in early summer. While more trash cans may improve cleanliness, be mindful of proper waste sorting, as Japan separates recyclables.